Declan Rice has delivered a huge vote of confidence to under-fire Arsenal striker in the wake of Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth.
The Gunners solidified their position at the top of the Premier League table following a narrow win at the Vitality Stadium, but it was another difficult evening for their headline summer signing.
Sweden international Gyokeres had a hand in the goal that turned the game in Arsenal’s favour when he occupied five defenders and allowed Rice the space to convert Martin Odegaard’s astute pass.
That moment, aside, however it was another disappointing display from the former Sporting Lisbon forward who has now gone 12 games without a goal from open play.
With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz now in contention to feature more prominently following their respective returns to fitness, Gyokeres may now be set for a reduced role over the course of the second half of the campaign, but Rice sees it differently.
He said: ‘It’s tough for him, because he’s got two defenders on him all game, all over him.
‘So he has to use his strength, he has to do all he can to help the team and with my first goal, without him making that run from Gabriel Martinelli’s flick and holding it, setting it off to Martin (Odegaard), that goal wouldn’t happen. That was a pivotal moment in the game for us to turn the game on its head.
‘I see how hard he hits a ball, and when that space arrives for him and the ball’s arriving at his feet to score goals, he will 100 per cent score.
‘But at the minute, defenders in the Premier League want to be able to stop Viktor Gyokeres, because he’s one of the best strikers in the world.
‘Trust me, he’s doing unbelievably for us, and we wouldn’t be where we are without him.’
Rice shook off a knee injury which saw him miss Arsenal’s midweek win against Aston Villa to start on the south coast and he delivered another hugely impressive display. His two-goal haul was his first in the Premier League in 296 appearances.
Afterwards, manager Mikel Arteta said the England international, 26, must now be considered among the best midfielders in the world.
Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!
As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.
Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Rice continued: ‘To miss the game (against Aston Villa) was annoying, so to come back and help the team, and score two, the fans will be really happy.
‘I’m happy myself that I could help out because this team’s special, and if we’re all chipping in together I’m sure good things will happen.’
One positive for Bournemouth following their 11th consecutive league match without a win was Junior Kroupi’s 25-yard strike which ensured a nervy finish for Arsenal.
And Cherries midfielder Marcus Tavernier said of his 19-year-old team-mate: ‘Junior is a generational talent.
‘That boy has an unbelievable future ahead of him and today he showed why he’s such a good talent in the world of football.’
